Why Montreal Was Excluded from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Cities
The exclusion of Montreal from the list of host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has remained a point of contention and curiosity. Recent revelations from thousands of documents obtained by the investigative program Enquête have provided critical insight into the factors that prevented the city from securing a spot in the global tournament.
The Enquête Investigation
The investigative journalism program Enquête, broadcast on ICI Radio-Canada Télé and ICI RDI, uncovered the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the 2026 World Cup bidding and selection process. In a dedicated report titled “FIFA : La machine à sous,” aired on March 26, 2026, the program detailed the complexities and demands associated with hosting the event.
Key Barriers to Montreal’s Candidacy
According to the documents and reporting by Enquête, several systemic and financial hurdles contributed to Montreal’s absence from the host city roster:
- Strict FIFA Requirements: The investigation highlighted the rigorous and often inflexible demands set by FIFA for its host venues and infrastructure.
- Exploding Costs: The financial burden of meeting these standards led to a significant increase in projected costs, making the prospect of hosting less viable.
- Tax Exemptions: A major point of contention involved FIFA’s demands for tax exemptions, which create significant fiscal challenges for host governments.
Key Takeaways: Montreal and the 2026 World Cup
| Factor | Impact on Montreal |
|---|---|
| FIFA Mandates | Strict requirements for facilities and operations. |
| Financials | Rapidly increasing costs associated with tournament preparation. |
| Fiscal Policy | Demands for tax exemptions that conflicted with local standards. |
About Enquête
Since its debut on September 20, 2007, Enquête has established itself as a cornerstone of Canadian investigative journalism. Currently hosted by Marie-Maude Denis, the program focuses on high-stakes public affairs, including corruption, financial fraud, and institutional failures. The “FIFA : La machine à sous” episode is part of the program’s ongoing commitment to uncovering the intersection of global sports governance and public interest.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the revelations regarding the “slot machine” nature of FIFA’s requirements serve as a cautionary tale for cities aspiring to host mega-events, illustrating the steep price of entry into the world’s most popular sporting competition.